UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra delves into the pop icon Prince’s classic album Parade in the tour that arrives in Turku, Hämeenlinna, Kuopio, Tampere and Helsinki in March.

As very special reinforcements the orchestra will present two Finnish hard-core Prince fans and specialists: singers Tuomo and MARiANNA.

Issued in 1986, Parade was Prince’s (1958-2016) eighth album and soundtrack for the film Under the Cherry Moon. The first single Kiss topped music charts around the world right after its release and ultimately became one of Prince’s biggest hits. Parade saw the star make use of horns and strings for the first time, which translated into richer arrangements than ever before in his repertory.

UMO Helsinki’s new renditions give plenty of solo space for the orchestra’s skilful musicians. The concert will feature, among others, the Parade masterpieces Kiss, New Position, Girls & Boys and Sometimes It Snows in April in bold and catchy arrangements. The orchestra & the soloists are conducted by Antti Rissanen.

Tuomo Prättälä, also known by his alias Tuomo, is a versatile musician, composer and vocalist, best-known from groups Quintessence and Ilmiliekki Quartet. A household name of Finnish music, he has won over both the critics and the masses with his soulful solo material.

An up-and-coming singer with many faces, MARiANNA has sung her way into her audiences’ hearts in the event of a concert Classical Trancelations, but she is also known from fronting different ensembles from jazz to classical music. Her main aim in singing is to express the magic of the moment and emotion to her listeners.

”Thanks to the fine arrangements, the tribute concert was not a well-executed repeat of the classic album Paradebut managed to turn up completely new sides. The big band sounded both frisky and beefy.” -Helsingin Sanomat, Jazzkeittiö, Katri Kallionpää 2 Dec 2018

Photo: Hannu Mattila